Carlo Ancelotti Handed One-Year Prison Sentence for Tax Fraud in Spain

Carlo Ancelotti, current manager of the Brazil national team and former Real Madrid boss, has been sentenced to one year in prison by a court in Madrid for tax fraud committed during his first spell at the Spanish club, according to reports from EFE.

The case revolves around undeclared earnings from image rights during the 2014 and 2015 financial years, amounting to a total of €1,062,079. Spanish prosecutors alleged that Ancelotti failed to properly declare €386,361 in 2014 and €675,718 in 2015 — the period during which he was in charge at Real Madrid.

During the trial, Ancelotti denied any intent to deceive the Spanish tax authorities. He argued that he followed the guidance of both the club and his financial advisors, and sought leniency on the grounds that he had already repaid the full amount by December 2021, along with the case experiencing significant procedural delays.

Despite the one-year sentence, the 65-year-old Italian coach is unlikely to serve jail time. Under Spanish law, non-violent offenders receiving sentences of two years or less — and with no prior criminal record — are generally not required to serve time behind bars, although the conviction still stands.